JACKIE McNamara looks set to be named Dundee United manager after Partick Thistle confirmed they had granted their boss permission to speak to the Tayside club.

McNamara and Falkirk boss Steven Pressley emerged as the leading candidates to replace Peter Houston in the past few days and reports that the Jags boss would be unveiled tomorrow were followed by a statement from the Glasgow club.

It read: "Following an approach from Dundee United, the board of directors of Partick Thistle Football Club have reluctantly granted permission for Jackie McNamara and Simon Donnelly to speak to them about their vacant managerial position."